200+ Tom Thumb Organic Lettuce Seeds -A102- Heirloom Variety-Lactuta Sativa- Organic (Non GMO) Highly Delicious!

200+ Tom Thumb Organic Lettuce Seeds -A102- Heirloom Variety-Lactuta Sativa- Organic (Non GMO) Highly Delicious!

Dating back to 1830, this heirloom is the oldest American lettuce still in cultivation, which speaks to its charms. Plant Tom Thumb lettuce seeds for the smallest lettuce of all - a tennis ball-sized Bibb that will fit in the palm of your hand. The small heads have creamy yellow centers with medium green, slightly crumpled wrapper leaves. This variety works well in containers - even window boxes! It's a good candidate for indoor growing under lights and does not need a large container to grow well.

Try growing some Tom Thumb lettuce seeds in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse in the winter. This HEIRLOOM is the oldest American lettuce still in cultivation Forms the smallest lettuce of all Grows well in containers and window boxes Open-pollinated seeds Matures in 50-70 days

Growing Grand Rapids Lettuce: Lettuce is a sun-loving cool weather crop that grows best in organic, well drained soil. Sow as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, then every two weeks thereafter to ensure a continuous supply. An even supply of moisture during the entire growth period is imperative for success. Harvest leaf lettuce by either pulling the entire plant or by cutting leaves from the main stem at least 2.5 cm (1″) above the base – this will allow the plant to sprout new leaves. Harvest head lettuce by cutting the head off at the base just below the lower leaves. Once lettuce bolts (starts to produce a rapidly growing flower stem) leaves become bitter. Timing Lettuce grows best in cool weather in the spring and fall. Sow in April every 2-3 weeks for a continual harvest. Using a cloche, cold frame, or greenhouse over mid-late August plantings can extend the harvest period right into winter. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-22°C (50-72°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-15 days, depending on conditions. Seeds don’t sprout easily when the soil temperature is over 22°C (72°F) in summer. Get around this by sprouting them indoors in a cool area, or pre-sprout by sprinkling seeds on a damp paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few days. In hot weather lettuce goes to seed rapidly, so have new plantings ready to go.

Starting Direct sow or start indoors and transplant. Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, or on the surface of the soil where the soil can be kept evenly moist.. Space or thin heading lettuce to 30cm (12″) apart. Space or thin looseleaf varieties to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Space rows for all types 45-90cm (18-36″) apart. lettuce can be planted quite densely, as it is harvested at an immature size. Sowing lettuce seeds closely together in narrow rows makes harvesting simpler. Growing Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. Aim for a soil with ample drainage and lots of organic matter. Add compost and lime at least 3 weeks prior to planting. 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer per 3m (10′) of row will give adequate nutrition. Seedlings should be hardened off by reducing water and putting the plants outdoors 2 or 3 days before transplanting. This will help to prevent transplant shock and premature bolting. Regular watering is essential to prevent leaves from getting bitter. Most varieties will be ready for harvesting as baby leaves in half the days shown on the packet. Harvest Pick individual leaves or wait and harvest full heads. Summer lettuce stays in prime eating condition only a short time, so harvest promptly and keep planting. In fall and winter the plants stay in good eating condition longer.